New ETF Book by Larry Connors - Click here to read more
It was simple, roomy, dependable and tough, and later, when it got to share the turbocharged flat-four motor from the rally-bred WXR, it was a hoot to drive.
All-new for 2009, the Forester remains a reliable carry-all. But it now adds a couple of attributes missing from earlier iterations: style and passenger space.
The first Foresters had all the design appeal of a railroad boxcar. The '09 actually features a handsome, sleek exterior, bringing it up to date with its cute-ute competitors.
The '09 has grown in all dimensions but it looks larger than it actually is. Still, it is 2.9 inches longer overall and 1.8 inches wider, riding on a wheelbase stretched 3.6 inches. That translates into improved interior volume, meaning rear-seat passengers now have plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy the panoramic view through the big windows.
And a new rear suspension design allows an increase of a whopping 5.2 inches between the wheel wells in the cargo area, opening up plenty of added space for your stuff. With the rear seats folded flat, a couple of bikes or a week's worth of camping gear will slide right in.
That new suspension also smooths out the Forester's ride. Handling benefits as well, although like most tall wagons there's a fair bit of body lean in tight corners.
Our XT test vehicle -- the "T" stands for turbo -- proved again the adage that power corrupts. With 224 eager horses, it takes a strong will to resist blasting away from stoplights. It's fun to leave Mustangs and BMWs in the dust.
Too bad the oversized hood scoop is an instant giveaway that this li'l wagon is packing some serious mojo.
Fortunately, the XT's brakes -- discs all around -- are upgraded to handle the added demand.
The Forester's interior has received as dramatic a makeover as the exterior. Swoopy styling -- a mix of dark and light plastics bisected by spears of metallic trim -- lend a modernist edge. Better materials contribute to a richer feel.
There is always a risk in a complete overhaul of a muchloved, highly successful model. Subaru has more than met the challenge. The 2009 Forester XT is improved in virtually every way and, best of all, it's still a hoot to drive. 2009 Subaru Forester 2.5XT
BASE PRICE: $26,195
PRICE AS TESTED: $26,860 (incl. delivery fees)
VEHICLE TYPE: Four-door, fivepassenger compact crossover utility wagon
POWERTRAIN: 2.5-liter, DOHC, turbocharged "boxer" flat fourcylinder; 224 horsepower; 226 lb.-ft. torque; four-speed automatic transmission; allwheel drive
WHEELBASE/LENGTH:
103.0"/179.5"
CURB WEIGHT: 3,440 pounds
EPA FUEL RATING: 19 mpg city/24 highway
To see more of the Albuquerque Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.abqjournal.com. Copyright (c) 2008, Albuquerque Journal, N.M. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
More News:
Market Updates |
Stock Alerts |
All Trading News |
Stock Index
About TradingMarkets | Contact | Advertise | Careers | Link to Us | Site Map | Help | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Return Policy | Testimonials | Feedback
The Connors Group, Inc. ("Company") is not an investment advisory service, nor a registered investment advisor or broker-dealer and does not purport to tell or suggest which securities or currencies customers should buy or sell for themselves. The analysts and employees or affiliates of Company may hold positions in the stocks, currencies or industries discussed here. You understand and acknowledge that there is a very high degree of risk involved in trading securities and/or currencies. The Company, the authors, the publisher, and all affiliates of Company assume no responsibility or liability for your trading and investment results. Factual statements on the Company's website, or in its publications, are made as of the date stated and are subject to change without notice.
It should not be assumed that the methods, techniques, or indicators presented in these products will be profitable or that they will not result in losses. Past results of any individual trader or trading system published by Company are not indicative of future returns by that trader or system, and are not indicative of future returns which be realized by you. In addition, the indicators, strategies, columns, articles and all other features of Company's products (collectively, the "Information") are provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Examples presented on Company's website are for educational purposes only. Such set-ups are not solicitations of any order to buy or sell. Accordingly, you should not rely solely on the Information in making any investment. Rather, you should use the Information only as a starting point for doing additional independent research in order to allow you to form your own opinion regarding investments. You should always check with your licensed financial advisor and tax advisor to determine the suitability of any investment.
HYPOTHETICAL OR SIMULATED PERFORMANCE RESULTS HAVE CERTAIN INHERENT LIMITATIONS. UNLIKE AN ACTUAL PERFORMANCE RECORD, SIMULATED RESULTS DO NOT REPRESENT ACTUAL TRADING AND MAY NOT BE IMPACTED BY BROKERAGE AND OTHER SLIPPAGE FEES. ALSO, SINCE THE TRADES HAVE NOT ACTUALLY BEEN EXECUTED, THE RESULTS MAY HAVE UNDER- OR OVER-COMPENSATED FOR THE IMPACT, IF ANY, OF CERTAIN MARKET FACTORS, SUCH AS LACK OF LIQUIDITY. SIMULATED TRADING PROGRAMS IN GENERAL ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO THE FACT THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH THE BENEFIT OF HINDSIGHT. NO REPRESENTATION IS BEING MADE THAT ANY ACCOUNT WILL OR IS LIKELY TO ACHIEVE PROFITS OR LOSSES SIMILAR TO THOSE SHOWN.
The Connors Group, Inc.
15260 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 2200
Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
© Copyright 2009 The Connors Group, Inc.
